Bulls players had said little about Eddy Curry’s departure during training camp this week.
Friday, Tyson Chandler, Curry’s longtime friend, acknowledged the void the 6-foot-11-inch center’s absence has created on a personal level. Curry’s sign-and-trade deal to the Knicks became binding Friday evening when he cleared extensive medical exams.
“It’s definitely strange,” said Chandler, who added he has missed Curry since late March when Curry initially complained of symptoms related to his irregular heartbeat.
“It was strange last year hearing them announce, `The man in the middle,’ and not seeing Eddy out there.”
The two players have not spoken and probably won’t until training camp winds down, Chandler said. Asked about Curry’s fear of needles, Chandler poked some fun at his former teammate and the seemingly endless examinations the Knicks put him through.
“I’m sure it has been pretty painful for him,” Chandler said. “One of the biggest guys in the world is scared of little needles. I wish I could have been there, though, to see him get stuck. It’s definitely a funny experience.”
Finally
Former Knicks Tim Thomas, Michael Sweetney and Jermaine Jackson, all acquired in the Curry trade, watched practice in Bulls sweat suits and will hit the practice floor Saturday. Jackson probably will be cut, though general manager John Paxson said the Bulls are interested in evaluating the 6-5 guard.
Coming soon
Toward the end of the month, the Bulls will pick up a fourth-year option on Kirk Hinrich, hardly a surprise.
“It’s not something we’ve done early,” Paxson said of the team’s decision to wait until the deadline draws closer. “But it’s a lock for Kirk.”
Rookie’s rating
Rookie Eddie Basden was brought on board for his defensive play, but his offensive skills haven’t been too shabby in practice, with the exception of his jumper.
“He can go to the hole,” coach Scott Skiles said. “He finishes well around the basket. His jump shot is still a work in progress. He has very good hands, and I would imagine he’s going to make his mark on the defensive end before anything else.”
Veterans have designated Basden the team’s ballboy, requiring him to pick up balls after practices this week. Basden went a step further, picking up towels and throwing away empty water bottles Friday.
“I’ll do what I have to do,” Basden said. “I know what it means to be a rookie. There’s no pride thing with me.”
Layups
The Bulls had just one practice Friday, a 3 1/2-hour marathon. . . . Skiles said player cuts probably would be made late Friday or Saturday. . . . Tickets for Bulls games go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the United Center, through Ticketmaster and online at www.bulls.com.
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mxgarcia@tribune.com
